Smith's Absence Raises Concerns

NFL - The Buzz

August 1, 2004|By Chris Harry, Sentinel Staff Writer

Dwight Smith, projected to start at free safety, was not on hand as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened training camp Saturday at Disney's Wide World of Sports. Coach Jon Gruden reaffirmed Smith had been excused for personal reasons, though speculation focused on the fourth-year pro angling for an extension to his contract, which is entering its final season.

"We had guys excused for personal reasons last year and the year before," Gruden said. "We expect him back here Monday and ready to go."

General Manager Bruce Allen was asked whether Smith's timing for a "personal" situation was curious, given that the start of camp has been on the calendar for months.

"Ah, yeah,"' Allen said. "It's football season."

Gruden and Allen said they expect their two other missing players, DE Simeon Rice (virus) and OT Kenyatta Walker (stomach flu), to be back Monday. The same goes for WR Joe Jurevicius (lower back), who remained on the active non-football injury list.

As for WR Keenan McCardell's holdout, which entered Day 2 at a cost of $5,000 per day, Allen said nothing had changed from Friday.

"Unless he's sent you another press statement," Allen said. "I'm not even thinking about it. I'm thinking about the guys who are here and excited about getting better. And if you're not here, you're not getting better."

FLAGS ARE FLYING

After frustrating the coaching staff by leading the NFL in penalty yards and finishing seventh in total penalties, the Bucs decided to do something about it. The team hired sanctioned officials to throw flags during offseason practices and minicamp.

And they were there on Day 1 of training camp, too.

"We'll have officials for every practice," Gruden said.

"And we'll yell like [expletive] if guys are [still] making penalties."

TODAY'S SCHEDULE

The morning workout is set for 8:30-10:45, and the afternoon's is for 2:45-4:45. Admission and parking are free.

QUOTE

"Don't mention pads yet. We're just trying to get used to the heat and survive these first couple words. No `P' word yet." -- WR Joey Galloway, who is not in a hurry for Monday's first day of full pads